Mountain lion spotted walking among parked cars in Burbank

Burbank police officers on Thursday reported seeing a mountain lion walking between parked cars near Kenneth Road and Brown Drive before it continued up Woodstock Lane and into the hillside, where it disappeared, the city announced today.

Mountain lion sightings aren’t uncommon in the foothills and hillside areas in the heat of summer, when dry conditions drive some of the cats down into urban areas in search of food and water. They are typically skittish and avoid human contact, but city officials urged residents to keep pet food and water dishes indoors to cut down on temptation.

The mountain lion reportedly jumped an 8-foot high fence on Woodstock Lane before traveling into the brush and out of sight, according to the city.

Officials issued the following California Department of Fish and Game recommendations in light of the sighting:

Do not feed deer; it is illegal in California and it will attract mountain lions.

Trim brush to reduce hiding places for mountain lions.

Don’t allow pets outside when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.

Bring pet food inside to avoid attracting raccoons, opossums and other potential mountain lion prey.

Do not leave small children or pets outside unattended.

Install motion-sensitive lighting around the house.

Do not hike, bike, or jog alone.

Avoid hiking or jogging when mountain lions are most active—dawn, dusk, and at night.

Do not approach a mountain lion.

If you encounter a mountain lion, do not run; instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects. Pick up small children.

If attacked, fight back.

If a mountain lion attacks a person, immediately call 911.

For questions concerning the sighting, contact Burbank Animal Control at (818) 238-3340.